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The Fab Lab

Formlabs Resin Printer Safety Manual

Formlabs Resin Printer Safety Manual

Machine Name: Form Labs 3 Resin Printer

Location: The Fab Lab

Version: v1.0

Last Updated: 3/26/2026

Responsible Student Worker: Gael Ramos

Linked Operations Manual: FormLabs 3 Resin Printer Operations Manual

Cleaning Manual: Formlabs Cleaning Manual

1. Purpose of This Safety Manual

Section titled “1. Purpose of This Safety Manual”

This document outlines the minimum safety information required to operate the Form Labs 3 Resin Printer in the Fab Lab. It focuses on:

  • Hazards that can cause injury or damage
  • Required protective measures
  • Emergency response procedures

This document does not teach you how to operate the machine. Refer to the linked Operations Manual for usage instructions.

2. Who May Use This Machine

Section titled “2. Who May Use This Machine”

This machine may be used by:

  • The Fab Lab users.

Usage conditions:

  • Staff present
  • Operations Manual Acknowledgement
  • Safety Manual Acknowledgement
  • Cleaning Tools Prepared
  • No loose fitted clothing or jewelry while using the machine

3. Primary Hazards

Section titled “3. Primary Hazards”

Be aware of the following hazards when using this machine:

  • Chemical

  • Resin used in SLA can irritate sensitive areas, such as the eyes and skin, and should not be consumed.

  • Regarding skin and eyes, according to Formlabs, “Eye contact may cause eye irritation. Skin contact may cause an allergic skin reaction.”

  • Isopropyl alcohol - contact or consumption may cause irritation and damage. Minimize exposure without protection.

  • Mechanical

  • Moving parts on the printer, optic laser, and bed platform during printer run.

4. Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Section titled “4. Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)”

The following PPE is suggested when operating this machine:

  • Nitrile Gloves (required)

5. General Safety Rules

Section titled “5. General Safety Rules”

Always follow these rules when using this machine:

  • Never bypass safety interlocks or guards

  • Never allow contact of resin in its uncured state with your skin, eyes or other

  • Regarding skin and eyes, according to Formlabs, “Eye contact may cause eye irritation. Skin contact may cause an allergic skin reaction.”

  • Keep hands, hair, clothing, and loose items clear of moving parts

  • Do not operate the machine if you are unsure how to proceed

6. Emergency Stop & Safety Features

Section titled “6. Emergency Stop & Safety Features”

Know the location and function of the following before operating the machine:

  • Emergency Stop: For emergency stop, perform a power disconnect (no emergency stop button)
  • Power Disconnect: Back of the machine to the left
  • Safety Interlocks / Covers: Never operate or try with the Orange UV protective cover open

For more information, refer to the: FormLabs 3 Resin Printer Operations Manual

7. Unsafe Conditions – Stop Immediately If:

Section titled “7. Unsafe Conditions – Stop Immediately If:”

Stop using the machine and notify Fab Lab staff immediately if any of the following occur:

  • The optic platform, build plate, or resin tank starts to shake and gets stuck
  • Abnormal sounds start to appear or vibrations move the machine
  • Resin starts leaking and spilling
  • Any error appears on the touchscreen

Do not attempt to repair major issues yourself.

8. Incident & Injury Response

Section titled “8. Incident & Injury Response”

If an incident occurs:

  1. Stop the machine using the emergency stop if safe to do so
  2. Move to a safe distance
  3. Notify Fab Lab staff immediately
  4. For injuries, staff will follow Fab Lab emergency procedures

9. Chemical & Material Safety

Section titled “9. Chemical & Material Safety”

The Formlabs 3 printer system uses  photopolymer resin and isopropyl alcohol:

Care:

  1. Use Nitrile Gloves  whenever possible contact or resin may occur, or during handling alcohol

  2. Beware of where and what you touch when using the gloves, and if any trace of either alcohol or resin is left, clean with a paper towel. (For information on cleaning, refer to the cleaning manual)

  3. Always keep the Orange UV case on unless something needs to be done inside the machine.

Disposal:

  1. Never dispose of any resin or isopropyl alcohol used on the drain

On contact:

  1. If any resin touches the skin, wash the area with soap or water. Never use any product with alcohol as a hand sanitizer.

  2. As said by the manufacturer, “To remove resin from skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Do not wash skin with products containing alcohol, like hand sanitizer, or any other solvents.”

10. Acknowledgement

Section titled “10. Acknowledgement”

By using this machine, you acknowledge that:

  • You have reviewed this Safety Manual
  • You understand the primary hazards and required precautions
  • You will follow all Fab Lab safety rules
  • You will ask the staff for help if you are unsure or uncomfortable

11. External Resources

Section titled “11. External Resources”

For more detailed information, refer to:

12. Questions or Help

Section titled “12. Questions or Help”

If you have questions or need assistance at any point, ask a Fab Lab staff member. Staff are always present during operating hours.

End of Safety Manual